Car Servicing-Of course regular servicing is important for your car

Light Bulbs-Make sure that it won’t cost the earth to fit a new one, especially Renaults?

14th November 2019/in All Car Servicing /by Eric

As a member of the Unipart Car Care Scheme (UCCC) we occasionally add some offers to our already competitive repair and car servicing prices.

Your cars light bulbs are very important especially in winter time when the hours of darkness are very long.

How often do we see car driving along with one headlight missing?

In fact in some countries it is a legal requirement to carry a spare set of light bulbs in your car. the Unipart bulb offer, will give you the peace of mind, that you are carrying a spare set.

One drawback to this though, is that not all light bulbs are easy to fit in some modern cars?

On certain models we have to remove whole parts of the cars to get at a light bulb and change it.

A selection of popular light bulbs

Some BMW models have their side light located inside the headlight unit; these are known as “angel eye “bulbs.

Also some Renault models. Such as the Megane 11 are located under the wheel arch. The bulb is accessed through a very small hole. Because the bulb is a twist fit then it is very difficult to fit. Another Renault model is the Twingo. You have to remove the bumper on this model to access the light bulbs and change them. Another Renault with light bulb fitting difficulties is the” Modus”.

Light Bulbs

In fact one of our customers was quoted £150 to fit a Modus light bulb, WOW.

It has become a major problem for garages and motoring organisations. Such as the RAC and AA here in the UK. In fact The AA’s Chris Patience said: “We have highlighted the problem with the industry at European level. It does seem daft that motorists should be required to carry bulbs. In many countries even though they may not be able to fit them at the roadside if a bulb fails.”

If a customer has any difficulties then we will always help them and even fit the bulbs if required by the customer.

We do have to charge a fee for fitting difficult bulbs, but as an independent garage we try to be as fair as we can and just charge an hourly rate and the price of the bulb.

Eric Roberts

Car Brakes Problems-Common causes for troublesome brakes on your car?

12th November 2019/in Brake Servicing Halifax /by Eric

This car came to us with a terrible brake grinding noise, caused by Worn out brakes Discs and pads ready to be replaced

Having your car brake’s in tip top condition is probably the most important part of your car, to look after and protects you from car brakes problems.

Regular servicing will ensure that your car will have minimal Car Brakes Problems. However things can go wrong in between servicing. Mainly due to the weather conditions or dirt and grit from the roads.

In my opinion though, the main reason for Car Brakes Problems is neglect?

By neglect I simply mean that drivers miss servicing their cars.

Things to spot if you are having Car Brakes Problems are as follows. The one that we often spot before the customer does is a soft or spongy brake pedal. We often notice this problem. When we are driving the car on the ramp. On some cars the pedal almost touches the floor pan. The usual cause of this is that the car has a fluid leak. Coming from either a brake pipe or brake cylinder. On occasional instances, then we find that water could have formed in the pipes. This is due to the fluid overheating and the resulting evaporation turns into water.
Other common Car Brakes Problems can start with a squealing sound coming from the car when braking occurs. This is when the brake pads are worn down to the metal backing and the sound is created with the metal of the worn out pads touching the metal brake discs. If your brakes make this or any other
New discs and pads fitted onto a Mazda

sound then it is best to have your brakes checked by a reputable garage.
Car Brakes Problems
Other Brake Problems can be diagnosed. When the driver feels the car pulling to one side. This can be other problems such as a brake caliper that could be seized up or just that your wheel alignment may be out and need adjusting. Once again this can be remedied by your garage and corrected by having a brake service.
Many Car Brakes Problems can be detected by grinding noises and even a bumping feeling when you put pressure on the brake pedal. This can also be solved by fitting a new set of brake pads. The bumping feeling is very often linked to a warped brake disc. This could only be remedied by a new set of discs and pads.

These are the most common problems that we see in a normal week at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre, in Halifax Yorkshire. If you service your car at regular intervals then these problems would be picked up before they manifest themselves as faults.

Eric Roberts

Toyota Corolla Brake Pads- What Does It Cost To Replace Toyota Corolla Brake Pads?

8th November 2019/0 Comments/in Brake Servicing Halifax /by Eric

Toyota Corolla Brake Pads

So, this article is about Toyota brake pads! However, the same advice from me covers all makes of cars and brands. Including all brake parts and not just brake pads.Significantly, brakes are extremely important. Of course without them your car would not stop without them!

Importantly, all cars and not just Toyota Corollas require regular brake care and maintenance. So many car owners carry out their own brake servicing and indeed fit their own brake pads and other braking jobs. In my opinion, this is becoming more difficult! Because cars braking systems are becoming far more complicated. With many technical advances now included in braking systems.

All brakes should be checked

So, these braking systems were probably first introduced by the luxury car makers! Of course companies like BMW, Mercedes Benz and the Toyota/Lexus range all came out with sophisticated braking systems. ABS would be one of the first improvements. This soon became a common braking problem! Of course, ABS warning lights have become a common problem.

Another early improvement were the addition of “wear indicators” fitted to brake pads. Nowadays these are on every model of car. So, this is also another problem that could be added to the DIY mechanics headaches. When doing brakes then one job often leads to another.

Simply fitting brake pads has become a rarity. Brakes should be left to the experts. Also they should be thoroughly checked out! So, it is very rare for a vehicle to just need a set of brake pads.

Eric Roberts

The Toyota Corolla is one of the most reliable and safest vehicles on the market if you’re on a budget. Corolla drivers are generally pleased with owning their car and the value this vehicle brings to the table. If you drive a Corolla, it’s important to know when to replace your brake pads. Check out […]

Source: What Does It Cost To Replace Toyota Corolla Brake Pads? – VIVA GLAM MAGAZINE™

Weather Affects Car Brakes-Affected-By Weather-So look out for Rusty Brakes This Spring – Boston.com

7th November 2019/in Brake Servicing Halifax /by Eric

Weather Affects Car Brakes

On Thursday, April 9, U.S. safety regulators warned drivers in states where salt is used to melt snow and ice on roads to get their brakes checked for corrosion.

This is an excellent article about something that people do not think about?

Car Brakes Affected weather conditions can have on your vehicle in winter, especially your BRAKES/Car Brakes Affected by Weather

Car brakes and inclement weather don’t mix

This was an interesting article to read. It reminded me of one of the fundamentals of being a car owner. Brakes and tyres are probably the two most important safety aspects of your vehicle. It is vital that you look after both with great care. Any problems with these two parts of your car could mean disaster.

I was almost a victim of an accident. Due to having faulty brakes on my car. Consequently, and been a garage owner. I must admit that I was probably guilty of neglecting my car.

The incident happened on a return trip from “Blackpool“, (a seaside resort in Lancashire UK).

I began to press the braking pedal and to my horror the brakes would not stop? Some pedestrians had just finished crossing the road, but the car would not stop. Fortunately for me, I had slowed down using my gears and so was not travelling at great speed. My friends did not know what was happening until I had to swerve onto a wide pavement (walkway) to avoid some children who were about to cross the crossing from the other side.

Luckily the pavement was clear, and I slowly came to a halt. This was Easter time, and my vehicle had not been touched throughout the winter period. We were all in a state of shock and

Excellent new discs fitted after the winter.

Decided to leave the car and get a coffee to calm us down.

Car Brakes Affected

When we returned to the car I tried the brake pedal and they seemed to work alright. So I decided to limp home and to use the gears to slow down before I braked. To say that I was a mechanic! Then I felt stupid that this could have happened to me and my car?

The first thing I did after the bank holiday was to ask my boss if I could remove the wheels and check out my brakes. On inspection, I found that the brake shoe calipers had seized up and had locked them on. The thing is that I should have checked the brakes myself after the winter. I changed the oil and filter and checked my tyre pressures and inspected them for cuts and cracks, but I took the Car Brake Pads for granted, thinking they would be alright.

This is the point of my story drivers should have their brakes checked out after the winter period and their Car Brakes Affected by Weather. The roads in the UK are covered in salt, dirt and slush when the weather gets bad, and this can enter the brake drums and caliper area and corrode the moving parts. We all know that the winter weather has a toll on moving parts, this is when door locks break and exhaust pipes drop off, all do to corrosion due to the climatic conditions.

Eric Roberts

Car Servicing Advice-Do I Have To Service My New Car At The Dealership? Look for quality and Standards

1st November 2019/in All Car Repair Articles, All Car Servicing, Brake Servicing Halifax /by Eric

Car Servicing Advice

An answer to the popular question “do I have to service my new car at the dealership?” straight from the horses mouth, Guelph Hyundai’s very own Service Adviser.

Car Servicing Advice-If you require car servicing or car repairs. The answer is NO?

“If you are a garage with a good reputation then the answer is In order to keep a warranty valid. So, the customer must perform all of the maintenance that is required. Of course and specified, in the owner’s manual to maintain the vehicle’s warranty”

This applies in the USA and also here in the European Union. Including here in Halifax Yorkshire, UK.

Trading Standards Institute the UK body for better quality

We are all covered by a right to repair law. Allowing us to repair cars that are still under warranty. Thus as long as the service parts fitted are up to the same standard. Hence, as the ones fitted as original equipment, by the car manufacturers.

This also applies to any new equipment that the car makers may bring out. Of course, they must release the patents for the aftercare garages . Or be able to repair and service the cars.

Americas right to repair bill poster

This prevents a closed shop scenario from being created. Consequently, with the new cars going to the main dealers only.

Toyota are having to release many patents to do with the EV cars. So that your regular garage can have a chance of repairing them.

https://www.pellonautocentre.com/do-you-have-to-have-your-car-servicing-done-by-the-main-dealer/

Car servicing your new car Do you have to use the main dealer?

The straight forward answer to this is NO! You do not have to take your car back to the franchise car dealer from where you bought the car. The problem that we get at my garage here in Halifax Yorkshire, UK, is that many of the public think that you have to return back to the garage from where you purchased the vehicle to have a car service.

The franchise dealer will not of course tell you this when you buy the car, because they obviously want your business. But in many cases this could be inconvenient for the new car owner. We have many very satisfied customers who do not want to take their cars anywhere else, for repairs or for car servicing.

There are a few rules that you should follow, if you do go to your independent garage, they must adhere to a few rules. These rules were set out by the EU when the right to repair ruling first came out, and I think that this is something similar in the USA, with their “right to repair bill”.

Firstly they would like the garage to be of good standing and probably affiliated to a trade organisation that gives the garage some credibility. Here at Pellonautocentre we are members of MotorCodes, who are now a part of Trading Standards, a government body that oversees the car and garage industry. Another way to check if your local garage has good standing is if they are an MOT testing station, here in the UK.

These accreditation’s will ensure that your car will have car servicing and repairs carried out to the right standards.

Look out for the Unipart Car Care symbol for quality assurance.

Another consideration to take into account is that you should check to see if your local garage uses car service parts that are as good as the manufacturer’s original equipment standards. Most quality garages will do this as a second nature, and use either OE parts (oil filters etc.) We use a top quality make called “Blue Print”, which are guaranteed to be just as good as the OE parts supplied by the main dealer garage.

If you stick to the rules and make sure that the car servicing booklet that is provided in every car is kept up to date, then you will have no problems if you have any warranty issues. By the way, if you do have a warranty problem then you should return the car back to the franchise dealer from where the car came.

Hope all this helps Eric Roberts

Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles.

Remapping your car engine can save you loads of money in fuel costs by more efficient driving.

27th October 2019/in All Car Servicing /by Eric

Remapping your car engine

Ryan Linton carrying out a remapping on a customers vehicle

Of course, all modern cars are computer controlled for their emissions. The computer is called the ECU, short for Engine Control Unit. It is this unit that links all the different parts of the engines electronics. So,that effectively controls the car’s engine and what the engine omits.

When a new vehicle leaves the factory the engines computer is set to de-fault. This is because the cars may be sent all over the world. Having to be set to the same setting. So, to take into account different climates and driving conditions. The vehicle manufacturers do this by the software settings in the ECU. These settings can be modified, by adjusting and re-setting the original settings, if you see what I mean?

Some older drivers will remember the days when the old style engines were “tuned”. Sometimes better known as “krypton tuning”. Named after the company that made the huge tuning machines that we had to use. I remember the one that I bought. It was made by “Sun”. Significantly, you needed a degree in science engineering to work it.

The modern machine that we use today is simply a laptop computer

Of course, with different attachments to plug into your cars ECU system. Importantly, which can be picked up by your garage technician. Accordingly, who now use this type of equipment all the time. Of course, to check error lights and clear fault codes after the car has been repaired. So remapping now fits in with our general servicing and repairs.

When the car is remapped, it has to use more fuel in order to have an increase in power. The setting that we use gives the driver three options. 1-is more economy 2- is a blend, of economy and power and 3- is power. The thing that usually happens is that because the car has been remapped and is more powerful. With improved torque. Then the driver will save on fuel! Because they have less need to change gears. Say going uphill or driving in traffic, and this will then give you more fuel economy

How do we carry out remapping on a car?

What we do is that our technician plugs in our computer software into the “OBD” port on the ECU of the car. The computer then downloads the information that is stored with the cars settings. We then send this information online to a major remapping company, who store all the information about your model of car. The data is them updated to the specifications that you the customer would like and the updated files are returned to us in Halifax Yorkshire, and re-entered into your cars ECU.

The new version that is entered ill enhances the performance of your car. So, giving either economy or fuel saving, or a mixture of both. Some cars require what is known as “chip tuning”. This requires the removal of the E PROM from the actual ECU and then the chip is programmed on site. Chip tuning is not as popular now and has been replaced by remapping since 1996.

These developments have all been possible through the motorsport racing car engines that are all tuned by computer to gain the maximum performance on the race car engines.

To conclude remapping gives your engine a far better performance,

you will notice as soon as you press the accelerator. The car will drive much smoother giving you a better and safer drive. During normal driving you will have the knowledge that you are getting a better mileage and use less fuel, this over a year will pay for your remapping investment.

Pellon Tyre and Autocentre are now the Halifax Agents for engine remapping and for further information about the benefits to your car see…http://www.topgear-tuning.com/

Eric Roberts

Hi I would like to introduce myself. Working in the Garage and tyre and Battery business now for 40 years. So. Working for a couple of national tyre companies before starting my first business. Of course, I now own a company here in the UK called Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre. Blogging about anything to do with cars and their related products. Naturally, that will help my business. We are members of Point-S and Trading Standards and are also a Unipart Car Care Centre.

Car Servicing Tips-Six Easy Steps for Avoiding Expensive Car Repairs by sticking to basics

25th October 2019/2 Comments/in All Car Servicing, All Unipart Service Centres Stuff /by Eric

Car Servicing Tips; Car repairs need not be that expensive

Significantly, a visit to your local car repairs shop can be even more stressful. Say than a visit to your local dentist. Perhaps you wont suffer physical pain. But sometimes your car repairs bill. Frighteningly, can leave your wallet or purse feeling pretty empty. Including, leaving you with a bad taste in your mouth.

Car Servicing Tips; Dale one of our MOT Testers checking the brake flued on a vehicle at our Halifax Garage

The best way to try and avoid costly repairs. So, is to take preventative maintenance measures and Car Servicing Tips that will keep your car in the best condition possible.

The foremost thing that you should do is to follow the car manufacturers maintenance schedule. Of course, that will be outlined in your owner’s manual. The best guidelines are always always the ones that are recommended.Of course, by the manufacturer and if you fail to follow those guidelines. Your warranty may be voided for future repairs. Although here in Europe. You are allowed to have your car repairs and servicing. So, carried out by a reputable garage, that uses original equipment service parts and oils by law. So, without breaking your warranty agreement. Importantly, a reputable garage would be one that operates under the MotorCodes schemes or an MOT testing station.

Always be sure to change fluids

Naturally, such as your brake fluid, all the filters and spark plugs (if fitted) to what the car’s manufacturer recommends. It is also a good idea to upgrade your motor oil to a higher performance synthetic oil, which can help to prevent certain problems and can also improve your car’s overall performance. We keep in several types of oil for servicing as specifications are changing all the time but using synthetic oil is not a bad thing and will cover most modern engines.

Always be sure that your tyres are correctly inflated. This is especially important, because tyres with too little air, or too much, can result in excessive wear with bad handling and may cause a tyre to blow out. It is often recommended that your tyre pressures are checked during every other visit to the petrol station. While this may seems excessive, you won’t be sorry that you have kept your tyres correctly inflated and therefore safer. For reasons of both safety and the expense of new tyres, the extra effort is well worth it.

If you notice any unusual noises coming from your car,whilst driving along check with your owner’s manual for information. Quite often, noises are perfectly normal and there is no need for concern. Your owner’s manual information section will let you know whether or not a visit to the Auto-centre is necessary.

Use a reputable garage for your car repairs

If you find that you do have to take your vehicle in for some Car Repair Advice, be sure that you are dealing with a reputable local company. Check with the other local people and ask your family or friends for recommendations. Also look out for your local Unipart Car Care Centre (UCCC), as they have very high standards to qualify for membership, and a nationwide warranty system, for if problems occur see your Local Car Repair Garages.

Eric Roberts

Hi I would like to introduce myself. I have worked in the Garage and tyre and Battery business now for 40 years. Working, for a couple of national tyre companies before starting my first business. So, I now own a company here in the UK called Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre. A keen blogger about anything to do with cars and their related products that will help my business.

happy mechanics working on car repairs

Winter Car Servicing-Good Garage Scheme Car Servicing in Great Britain : Get Ready for …

23rd October 2019/in All Car Servicing /by Eric

Winter Car Servicing

Winter Car Servicing at pellon Autocentre, Halifax UK[/caption]

Winter Car Servicing

With cold weather just around the corner and nights beginning to draw in, the Good Garage Scheme is encouraging motorists to have their cars professionally checked to ensure they are safe and reliable in the winter months …

Eric Roberts‘s insight:

Winter is on its way ?

This article from the “Good garage scheme” . So,highlights the motorist to the severe weather conditions. Of course, that may lie ahead and the effects that this could have on your car. Importantly, if you did not prepare it by servicing it before the winter arrives.We are a member of the Unipart Car care Centres and are advising our customers to do the same. So, by offering an MOT and service for just £100 all inclusive. This offer is for most small and medium sized cars and will carry out Winter Car Servicing. On their cars for the winter ahead. This offer also includes a brake check and your anti-freeze levels topping up the correct winter levels, so you won’t be the one with a frozen engine. We also give your battery a good check over, so you will not be late to work because your cars battery has failed you.

Thanks Eric Roberts…

Hi I would like to introduce myself. I have worked in the Garage and tyre and Battery business now for 40 years. Working for a couple for national tyre companies in my younger days. Of course, before starting my first business. Consequently, I now own a garage and MOT testing centre. Here in the UK called Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre. As a result, I am a keen blogger about anything to do with cars . Hence, and their related products that will help my business. As a result,we are members of Point-S and Motor-Codes . Also a Unipart Car Care Centre and of course Tyre-safe.

See on www.goodgarageschemeblog.com

New Diesel particulate filters Law-2014- makes Even more important to use the correct Oil

20th October 2019/in All Car Servicing /by Eric

New Diesel particulate filters Law

Oil helps in reducing vehicle emissions

New laws are making car manufacturers vastly reduce the emissions of new models that they produce. One of the ways to do this is by fitting complicated exhaust after treatment units to their cars. It means that new low SAPS oil must be used to protect these units. New laws will be coming out in 2014 to reduce the emissions even further. For further reading follow “Diesel net“.

Another large change that is now becoming more common is the development of the “extended service intervals”, this means that the car owner needs to use special long life oils must be used to meet the extra demands of the longer service intervals. Most service centers will have the computer technology to state the exact oil that the car requires, but things are becoming more difficult for the DIY motorists amongst us.

New Diesel particulate filters Law; Indeed by using the wrong oil in your car can cost you around £2500

For a new engine unit, this the average cost of a family sized saloon engine replacement. I am not trying to scaremonger, but the stuff in your engine is becoming more critical. The number of 5W-30 oil types now used on modern cars has increased dramatically; this is because of the number of reasons introduced by the car manufacturers.

Any motorist getting this wrong will end up in trouble and possibly a large bill.It is now getting more important to have your vehicle serviced at a reputable service center, even an engine service will be better than nothing, do not forget good service centers will have all the help from the oil companies to make sure that they get the correct product for their car. The wrong oil will block up your diesel particulate filter or poison your three-way catalytic converter, all at a terrible cost. Also do not forget to get the correct oil mix, for example, synthetic or semi-synthetic oils, or even diesel or petrol oils, all have different properties, so if in doubt have your car serviced by professionals, and don’t take the risk of a damaged engine.

Pellon Auto Centre in Halifax offers to service at excellent rates.

About Eric Roberts

Hi I would like to introduce myself. Working in the Garage and tyre and Battery business now for 40 years. So. Working for a couple of national tyre companies before starting my first business. Of course, I now own a company here in the UK called Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre. Blogging about anything to do with cars and their related products. Naturally, that will help my business. We are members of Point-S and Trading Standards and are also a Unipart Car Care Centre.

Peugeot 307 ABS-ABS Problems a common fault

18th October 2019/4 Comments/in Brake Servicing Halifax /by Eric

Importantly, as I have stated in other Peugeot 307 related posts that I have written. Then the local garages that are scattered around a main dealership. So, will inevitably get spin off work. of course, when the cars become to age over two years old . Importantly, and out of the care of the main dealer. We here in Halifax are no different! Consequently, the Peugeot is one of our main supplies of business.Peugeot are a popular brand of car in the Halifax area.

Of course, I am not complaining.! I happen to like Peugeot as cars. Although they can have many problems. I like the way that the French car company change their models around.Making them interesting to their followers who buy them. One of the commonest problems that we come across on the 307 is brake problems. Especially with the ABS warning lights. The other day we had the pleasure of two Peugeot 307 ABS brake problems.

ABS warning lights are now an MOT test failure.

The first 307 that we looked at were in fact in for an MOT test and was in good condition except for a well-worn tyre and the fact that the ABS brake warning light was on? We contacted the lady customer, who said, “that she wondered what the light was, but just thought it would go out on its own”

The lady gave us permission to see to her car. When the ABS light is on it means of course that the anti-lock function is not working and one of the most common causes is the ABS sensor or dirty wiring connections, which can include a break in the wiring. These wires are after all hanging in all the dirt and slush and can easily perish and/or break.

We start off by plugging the car into our Solus Pro diagnostic code reader. This will give us a code error, which will usually lead us to the problem. This code came up that we had a problem with an open circuit on the off side rear. We then carried out a hard test with a ohms meter and found a fault on the wiring.

In fact the wiring was broke where it goes to the Peugeot 307 ABS sensor, before the wiring loom. This was a relatively easy thing to repair ad also a low cost repair for the customer, who was very pleased that it was not something more serious. We plugged the car back into our fault reader and re-set the code to clear the fault light and the car passed the MOT test having also a new tyre fitted.

Aaron inspecting 307 ABS system

The second Peugeot 307 with an ABS fault was more complicated

The second Peugeot 307 ABS problem was also left with us to solve an ABS warning light problem, but turned out to be a little more complicated. Once again the car belonged to a lady customer, who had complained about her brakes juddering through her brake pedal, combined with a noise from underneath the bonnet. The lady driver was not one of our regular customers. Because we always check the past history of a car on our customer data base.

She said that the car went into a famous fast-fit centre, who recommended that she had all the discs and pads replaced, which would cost around the £500.00 mark. The customer, wanted us to look at the car. Because she just did not have that kind of money?

We do often get this

But we grit our teeth and just get on with diagnosing the job and telling the driver the truth, whether good news or bad news. This Peugeot 307 car was to have a different ABS problem to the other one. We plugged in the code reader and it and it came up with, “Rear air gap too large” and a fault code. Fortunately we have come across this one before proceeded to check the area at the rear where the Peugeot 307 ABS sensor bolts were connected to the hub.

The hub area corrodes, thickening the steel. Which pushes the sensor away from the magnetic ring. Therefore not making a proper contact which stops a reading. To rectify this all we do is to clean the whole thing up. So, removing any rust and the jobs a good one. We then reset the code with our code reader and cleared the ABS fault light. The lady was over the moon with pleasure.We hope will become another of our loyal customers in the future.

Eric Roberts

Hi I would like to introduce myself. Working in the Garage and tyre and Battery business now for 40 years. So. Working for a couple of national tyre companies before starting my first business. Of course, I now own a company here in the UK called Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre. Blogging about anything to do with cars and their related products. Naturally, that will help my business. We are members of Point-S and Trading Standards and are also a Unipart Car Care Centre.